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DO I NEED A WHEELCHAIR?

If you are unable to walk unassisted and can only take a few steps before needing to rest, you may benefit from a wheelchair. You may also need a wheelchair if you find it difficult to walk long distances even with assistance (i.e. from a friend or family member, or another assistive device like a cane).

If you struggle to walk on your own and feel you may benefit from a wheelchair, you should first discuss your mobility limitations with your doctor. At the appointment, your doctor will evaluate your needs and may prescribe you with a wheelchair.

WHAT IS A MANUAL WHEELCHAIR?

Manual Wheelchairs are a solid all-around option for people with mobility issues, as they are transportable, foldable, and easy to use. Manual wheelchairs are designed to be durable and comfortable, and while they are often thought of as a temporary mobility solution, many people use wheelchairs as their primary means of personal transportation.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A WHEELCHAIR & A TRANSPORT CHAIR?

Transport wheelchairs are narrow, smaller-wheeled chairs that are designed to be pushed by a caregiver. A transport chair is light, compact, and easy to navigate, which makes it an excellent option for travel and use outside of the home, or as a companion to a larger manual or electric wheelchair.

A standard wheelchair (or manual wheelchair) is a mobility chair with large rear wheels and smaller front wheels that are designed to be pushed by a caregiver or manually propelled by the wheelchair user. This design allows the user to reach the rear wheels and push themselves while seated. Standard wheelchairs are collapsible, transportable, and easy to use by both a wheelchair user or a caregiver.

WHAT FEATURES TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A WHEELCHAIR?

Comfort

Any wheelchair that is being used on a daily basis needs to be comfortable. The seat is the most crucial element to consider here.

Cushion

A cushion can be added to a wheelchair seat to increase comfort, support, and stability. Gel cushions can add extra comfort; positioning cushions correct posture and improve the user’s ability to navigate, and preventative cushions reduce friction and pressure during extended use.

Seats

The seat in most wheelchairs is made of nylon or vinyl because both materials are durable and easy to clean. Some seats can be customized or upgraded depending on the frame style of your wheelchair.

Seat size

Seat size is broken down into seat width (the space from armrest to armrest) and seat depth (the distance from the backrest to the front edge of the seat). Wheelchairs come in several seat widths, typically from 14 to 20 inches, with the most common width being 18 inches. Seat depths are also variable and should be measured by having the wheelchair user sit up straight in a natural active position.

Seat Height

Seat height indicates how high the seat is off the ground. Most wheelchairs have an average seat height of 20 to 21 inches, which is appropriate for users that are 5 feet tall or above. If the user is shorter than 5 feet, transferring may be more difficult, as the wheelchair may be too high.

Chair Height

Chair height – or how tall the overall device is – will impact how easily the wheelchair can be transported and maneuvered around. Taller wheelchairs may be more difficult to store in the trunk of a car, whereas shorter wheelchairs will be easier to fold or collapse down.

Chair Weight

If you will be transporting your wheelchair on a frequent basis, or if you want something that’s easy to manage when you travel, you will want to consider chair weight. Transport chairs and pediatric wheelchairs are typically lighter than manual wheelchairs, while manual wheelchairs tend to be lighter than power wheelchairs.

Armrests

Armrests provide added comfort and support. They are often removable (or can flip up) to make transferring and transportation easier. Many armrests are located at table or desk height, which allows them to easily tuck under a standard table top.

Leg rests

Like armrests, leg rests provide added support and comfort for the user. They come in a variety of styles, but the most important thing to consider is if you want the leg rests to swing or adjust, as this can impact the transferability of the chair.

Wheels

Wheels can add stability and convenience to the overall ride. Most wheels are either rubber or semi-pneumatic, which can change how the wheelchair rolls on different surfaces. Some wheels are maintenance free, while others will need to be replaced as they wear down over time.

HOW LONG DO WHEELCHAIRS LAST?

The average lifespan of a wheelchair is 2 to 3 years, with a maximum of 5 years for manual wheelchairs. The more a wheelchair is used, the shorter the lifespan will be due to daily wear and tear.

You may find that your mobility needs change within this time frame, or you may want to upgrade your mobility device before your wheelchair wears out.

Before purchasing a wheelchair, you should consider how frequently you’ll be using the chair. Are you only going to be using the wheelchair occasionally? Or will it be your primary, everyday mobility device? This will help you choose the right wheelchair for your needs and will allow you to get the most out of your chair throughout its lifespan.